Recovery After Incarceration: Understanding the Journey
“One year in, two years out” — That’s the general rule many experts use to describe how long it takes to recover after incarceration.
What the Research Says:
– For every 1 year of incarceration, it can take 1 to 2 years of supported, healthy reentry for full recovery — emotionally, socially, and economically.
– Trauma, institutionalization, and loss of autonomy often cause emotional and psychological effects similar to PTSD.
– Family relationships, especially with children and partners, can take years to rebuild.
– Employment and housing stability often take 1–3 years, especially without strong support systems.
Factors That Influence Recovery Time:
• Length of incarceration — longer sentences require deeper recovery.
• Age at release — older individuals may face more challenges.
• History of reoffending — repeated incarceration can reinforce destructive mindsets.
• Access to services — reentry support, therapy, and community help drastically shorten recovery time.
• Type of incarceration — solitary confinement and violent environments deepen trauma.
Focus on the Mindset, Not the Statistic:
Statistics often say that for repeat offenders, or those with violent histories, the outlook is bleak. But for those who have served 10+ years—especially violent offenders—studies show they typically do not reoffend. This group is different. What we will do together is not focus on the statistic, but the mindset that gives the statistic power.
In this group, we will examine the mindsets and behaviors born out of trauma. These patterns may feel normal, but they are not healthy. Together, we will re-educate ourselves, rebuild our emotional toolbox, and change the narrative—proving the statistics wrong, one mindset at a time.